I've got a little bit of white smoke comming out of my exhaust when I start my car. It doesn't last long and it's not every time I start it. What could this be, best/worst case? It's a 305 tpi in an 88.

 

Normal problem with SBC motors, valve seals are wore and result in oil leaking onto the piston overnight. So you are getting white smoke on start up, nothing serious and will not cause any damage.

 

So it's not a big enough problem to do anything about? I don't know how long it's been doing it, I just recently bought it, does this ever cause problems? Thanks for the help man.

 

Wouldn't hurt to change the valve seals, but if you can't, just keep a close eye on your oil level, make sure it doesn't get too low.

 

Replacing them isn't a simple task is it?

 

If the valve seals were bad the color of the smoke would be blue (burning oil). White smoke is really steam. If it stops after the car has warmed up, it is probaly condensation in the exhaust system that is being boiled off. This is a common condition and nothing much to worry about. However, if the white smoke continues after running for 15 -20 minutes, it could be the result of coolant geting into the combustion chamber, and this is not a good thing.

 

Ok, it's just white, no other color. But it comes out even when the car is warmed up, BUT it only happens when I get low on gas. The car runs like crap when I'm low on gas but perfect when i put some in. Any other suggestions?

 

Clogged fuel filter, bad fuel pump pickup, gas cap not letting air in ???

 

I can hear my fuel pump whining when the car is started and when I turn it off it keeps doing it for like 3 secconds. Is this a sign that I need a new one?

 

The gas gauge may not be completely accurate and You may simply be running out of gas.